Tyrie, Klukowski Sign With Western Mass. Pioneers

Apr 14, 2009

David Tyrie and Yan
Klukowski have signed with the Western Massachusetts Pioneers,
announced today by Central Connecticut head coach Shaun
Green. The Pioneers are a professional club playing in the
United Soccer Leagues. Both players recently finished their
careers at CCSU this fall and were integral pieces of the Blue
Devils' first ever Northeast Conference Championship in 2007.

"I am thrilled for Yan and David that they have signed
professional contract with the Pioneers," said Green. "They are a
great club which will benefit immensely by having both players on
their squad. David and Yan are considered by many as two of the
best players in our region and will adjust quickly to the
professional game. We are very proud of their accomplishments and
everyone here at CCSU wishes them luck in their professional
careers."

Tyrie and Klukowksi join 22 other CCSU soccer standouts that
have signed professional contracts. These two Blue Devils will
look to improve on last season's sixth place regular season finish
for the Pioneers in the United Soccer Leagues' Second
Division.

During his senior campaign Tyrie received first team All-NEC
honors for the third straight year as a Blue Devil. As the
defensive leader of CCSU, Tyrie was named NEC Defensive Player of
the Year and NEC Tournament MVP a season ago. In 2008, his final
season in New Britain, the daunting defender tallied five goals out
of the back. Directing traffic as the Blue Devils' central
defender, the Norwich-Norfolk, England native led the team to six
shutouts this season. In 2008 Tyrie was also named to the
NSCAA/Adidas All-Region team for the third year in a row.

During his career, Klukowski was named to the All-NEC team every
year and was selected as the NEC Rookie of the Year in 2005. The
Wiltshire, England native led the Blue Devils in his final season
with eight goals, five assists and 21 total points. Klukowski also
earned All-North Atlantic Region honors for the third straight year
in 2008. As a sophomore the crafty midfielder led the nation in
assists per game with a mark of .73 per contest.